Being on time, staying organized, and following through on tasks are important for succeeding in school and everyday life. Some teens naturally develop these habits, while others may need extra support. Fortunately, research has shown that strengthening executive functioning has long-term benefits.
The Executive Functioning Strategies for Teens (PDF) handout shares research-informed tips, such as setting specific goals, making routines, and using reminders to stay on track. These strategies can help teens develop executive functioning skills that support schoolwork and personal responsibilities more effectively.
When teens use these skills, they may find it easier to stay motivated and feel more in control of their day. They can try making a “success planner” to write down goals, keep track of deadlines, and break tasks into smaller steps.
Caring adults can offer support by checking the planner together and talking about what’s working or what feels difficult. Offering guidance while allowing teens to lead the way encourages independence in handling things on their own.
We also offer an Executive Functioning Strategies for Kids handout.
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Want more resources like this? Check out our full catalog of coping skills worksheets and handouts.
References:
- Cumming, M. M., Oblath, R., Qiu, Y., Frazier, S. L., Zelazo, P. D., Flores, H., & Park, J. (2023). Executive function, perceived stress, and academic performance among middle schoolers with and without behavior problems. Remedial and Special Education, 45(2), 85-100. https://doi.org/10.1177/07419325231176762
- Mann, D. P., Snover, R., Boyd, J. R., List, A. J., Kuhn, A. J., Devereaux, B. N., Chenoweth, S. M., & Middaugh, G. L. (2015). Executive functioning: Relationship with high school student role performance. The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy, 3(4). https://doi.org/10.15453/2168-6408.1153
- Payne, S. B., & Swanson, E. (2022). Targeting the transition goals of teens through executive function support. TEACHING Exceptional Children, 56(4), 202-209. https://doi.org/10.1177/00400599211066919
- Temircan, Z. (2022). Assessment of executive functioning and social emotional learning among adolescents. Psikiyatride Güncel Yaklaşımlar, 14(Ek 1), 286-292. https://doi.org/10.18863/pgy.1172105
